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California Bill Would Extend Cage Ban Out-of-State

A bill is moving through the California Legislature that would extend the state’s upcoming ban on small cages for egg-laying hens to out-of-state egg producers.

The bill has received support from legislators who opposed Proposition 2. They say it will help California’s egg industry compete with out-of-state egg producers who, under current law, will not need to comply with Proposition 2 when its rules take effect in 2015. California’s $648 million egg industry is neutral on the legislation, which is championed by the same groups that backed Proposition 2. Proposition 2 mandates that pigs, calves raised for veal and egg-laying hens have enough space to lie down, stand up, turn around and fully extend their limbs. Violators can face criminal penalties.

An Assembly committee analysis of the bill raised concerns that expanding Proposition 2’s rules to out-of-state egg producers could violate the interstate commerce clause of the U.S. Constitution meant to prevent states from restricting imports from other states. In addition, the new legislation has failed to placate California egg producers’ frustration with Proposition 2. The industry is forming a new group, the Association of California Egg Farmers, mainly to deal with Proposition 2’s implementation.

Ohio Farm Bureau Federation is a member of American Farm Bureau Federation®, a national organization of farmers and ranchers including Farm Bureau® organizations in 49 other states and Puerto Rico, and is responsible for Farm Bureau membership and programs within the State of Ohio. Ohio Farm Bureau Federation programs and services are available only to Farm Bureau members within Ohio. The political views expressed in these pages represent Ohio Farm Bureau Federation's positions on various issues as they relate to Ohio. The positions of the national Farm Bureau organization collectively are expressed through American Farm Bureau Federation. Any opinions, statements or views expressed through comments or by outside contributors are the express views of those individuals and do not necessarily represent the views of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.